Detective Constable Michelle Lawrence, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “The skull appears to be very old and we are not treating this incident as suspicious at this time.

“We simply would like to identify where the skull originated from and to clarify in what circumstances it was found.

“Some houses near to church were built on parts of the old cemetery nearly 100 years ago and it is feasible that the skull may have been dug up in someone’s garden.

“The person who found it may have wanted to do the right thing and left it at the church.

“I urge anyone who has any information about this to contact the police – we would just like to ascertain exactly what has happened.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 11:171. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.